Located in a loft space in the Jewelry District, what I think is the Providence version of Brooklyn’s DUMBO (or Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) neighborhood, CAV (which stands for Cocktails, Antiques, Victuals) somehow manages to seamlessly combine intriguing decor, incredibly delish eats and drinks, and top notch service.

Now owned and operated by John Moubayed, the son of Sylvia Moubayed, the visionary who opened the restaurant back in 1989 (I can remember going to open mike nights in the main room during the early 1990’s with my then boyfriend and NOT appreciating the chandeliers nearly enough) and passed away unexpectedly in September 2017, they were the only local restaurant — that I’m aware of anyway — to install a whole new ventilation system last summer when most of us were in peak freak out mode over everything going on.

And I feel like they don’t get nearly enough attention or adoration on the local food scene. I mean, there’s nothing else like it around these parts! It’s somewhere you’d expect to find in DUMBO. Or SOHO. Or Tribecca.

We’ve had lunch out in the truly lovely courtyard a few times since, but yesterday was our first time back indoors and it was a total and complete success. (I don’t have to tell you that this past weekend’s weather was NOT conducive to an al fresco dining experience.)

I, for one, was pretty jazzed to see a vegan burger on the menu. (Am also a serious fan of their Italian tuna salad, brushetta, and waffles.) The side salad was calling, too, because well, as much as I enjoy fries, yours truly has been indulging in a few too many treat days lately.

Would also LOVE to go back with a good friend and sample a few of the wonderful martinis from their cocktail menu in the not-too-distant-future. (Nothing like catching up with a trusted confidant in person, amirite?)

CAV is located at 14 Imperial Place in Providence.

As always, if you find yourself at CAV after reading this, please let them know your brunch, lunch or dinner was inspired (at least in part) by Patty J and PattyJ.com.